Gut check on Senate File 425

As some of you know by now Senate leaders in Iowa have expressed some doubts about whether they’ll be bringing SF425 to a vote in the Senate. Make no mistake, this has nothing to do with a half-dozen or so moms walking around the capitol demanding gun control. What this is is a product of numerous out-of-state lobbyists and gun control groups parachuting into Iowa politics and trying to redirect the Senate’s attention.

Iowans have two options:

A few members of the Iowa Senate are getting squirrely on us and suddenly having doubts. This presents us with two options:

1) Accept the games that are being played and walk away with our tails between our legs
-OR-
2) Tighten our belts, get serious about this and continue to push this through until the very end.

Do not lose heart, we’re in a tough fight. We’re up against some real national level power players. But do not forget, nothing has done to officially stop this bill.

I can assure you that myself and the rest the IFC leadership are not about concede this fight. We also know that we’re not alone. The anti’s may have Bloomberg and his billions but we’ve got some friends to call on as well. Through all this we’ve had the NRA by our side, and we’ve had the support of the National Shooting Sports Foundation, the American Suppressor Association and most importantly the grassroots support of hundreds of thousands of Iowans like you.

It’s also important not to lose sight of the fact that Iowa’s law enforcement want this bill passed as well. The anti’s want nothing more than to distract you from that. But we need to make this point very clear. The Iowa Police Chiefs Association, the Iowa Peace Officers Association, and the Iowa State Sheriffs and Deputies Association are all lobbying for this bill to pass right along side us.

The anti’s want you to think SF425 would make you less safe. But ask yourself, “If this bill made Iowans less safe, why would Iowa law enforcement be pushing for it to be signed into law?”

Time for action

I’ve just activated a new Advocacy Campaign – please use this to drop a note to your Senator. If you can, please follow it up with a personal email and a phone call to your Senator, a personal note really can make a big difference. You can find their contact information at our Legislative Action Center. To make the process easier we’ve drafted a few important points to include. The Senate switchboard phone number is:515-281-3371, though they only accept messages while the Senate is in session.

Most importantly, we need to hold our Senators accountable at their weekly legislative forums and round tables. This cannot be stressed enough. If you can make it out to a forum this weekend and ask about SF425 please do so. It’s one of the best ways to help advance this bill.

Recap

SF425 has already passed five votes in the Iowa legislature. Everytime by a landslide. All that’s left is a vote in the Senate, then it’s off to the governor’s desk. The anti’s are pulling out all the stops. They’re flying in professional lobbyists from out-of-state, and running a misdirection campaign. Unfortunately, their whispers are causing some Iowa Senators to waffle, forget the facts, and forget who they represent. It’s imperative we continue to make our voices heard.

Make no mistake, we’re in a tough fight. We knew this wouldn’t be easy. Ultimately this will come down to two factors: 1) who can push harder, and 2) who do Iowa Senators trust more? Hundreds of thousands of their lawful constituents and the Iowa law enforcement community -OR- the voice of lobbyists flown into Iowa from New York City and beyond by a nanny-state billionaire.

We’re heavily focused on passing SF425, but know this: we haven’t forgotten the big picture. 2016 will be a monumental election year. The balance of power in the Iowa Senate hangs by a thread. Plans are already being made, campaign maps are being carefully studied, and our side has plenty to gain.

This isn’t over by a long shot.

Working to protect and enhance your Second Amendment rights,
Kurt Liske
Vice President
Iowa Firearms Coalition

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action are resorting to deceit and scare tactics in an attempt to derail Iowa’s pro-gun owner bill SF425.

The Bloomberg crew using scare tactics (again)

You know you’re doing good work when the opposition has to resort to deceit and “untruths” to try to take you down.

That’s exactly what we saw yesterday when an email from Everytown for Gun Safety and Moms Demand Action went out claiming SF425, the Omnibus Gun Bill, would “arm felons and domestic abusers in Iowa.”

Michael Bloomberg’s out-of-state funded astroturf organizations are now officially trying to derail SF425. The sad thing is they’ve proven once again they don’t know the law, and are out of touch with real Iowans.

In Iowa it’s currently illegal to sell a firearm to a prohibited person (this includes felons and domestic abusers). Under SF425 it will still be a crime to sell a firearm to a prohibited person.

The fact is Iowa law is – and will remain – fully compliant with federal law on firearms transfers, even under the changes proposed in SF425.

If you think about it, it’s actually kind of flattering. These over zealous gun control pushers cannot make a legitimate case, so they’re forced to make up a ridiculous argument about SF425 in a sad attempt to justify their desire for more restrictions and infringements on our rights.

What the Omnibus Gun Bill really is

SF425, the Omnibus Gun Bill, is a carefully crafted pro-gun owner bill that has broad bi-partisan support and the backing of numerous law enforcement groups in Iowa. It represents the combined efforts of Iowa’s firearms and law enforcement communities to improve Iowa’s firearms laws.

The Omnibus Gun Bill quite literally protects and enhances the Second Amendment rights of all Iowans.

SF425 protects firearms owners in Iowa from having their private information from being broadcast for the whole world to see. It gives parents the right to raise their families as they see fit, and the freedom to teach their kids how to safely handle all firearms without the threat of becoming a criminal. It brings Iowa in line with the 39 other states that give their residents the freedom to purchase suppressors. And even increases the penalties for anyone caught making an illegal firearms purchase.

Bloomberg and his fellow big money 1 percenters are using deceit to try to control how to you and your family exercise your rights. We’re taking them head on, and we need your help.

Please spread the message and contact your Senator today. Tell them to listen to the overwhelming number of Iowans who’ve reached out to them about SF425. The House has done its job, it got the message and promptly passed the Omnibus Gun Bill. Now it’s time to bring the Senate in line. Stop the negotiations. Stop pandering to anti-gunners who’ll never vote for any pro-gun owner bill. BRING SF425 TO A VOTE!

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

It seems we’re starting to get some traction. Iowa Senator Charles Grassley has started sending this response to many of our members, saying he plans to fight any limitations on our right to bear arms.

Visit our M855 Ban Action Center to get active and stop the BATFE from side-stepping Congress and creating a new law without a single vote.

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

Everyone is surprised that ATF has announced plans to ban M855 ammunition (steel-core 5.56 NATO). The issue has been raised as to whether the cartridge has sufficient “sporting purposes” as a means to fight the ban. Make no mistake, the “sportability” of the cartridge is not the real issue. We at IFSA agree that M855 ammunition should NOT be banned. However we would like to offer some explanation as to the methodology being used by the Government in this situation. The definition of Armor Piercing (AP) Ammunition is . . .

“A projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely (excluding the presence of traces of other substances) from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium;”

This definition was agreed upon in the mid-’80s between the pro-gun and anti-gun forces as a middle-ground against the Senator Charles Schumer’s catch phrase “cop-killer bullets”. At first it was suggested that any bullet be banned which can penetrate a cop’s vest. Law enforcement and many others were all for that definition until the NRA fought it because the unthinking hadn’t realized that it would ban ALL rifle ammunition.

That was the only definition of AP ammunition until the Swedish M39B (9mm Luger) cartridge arrived on the surplus market in the late 80’s. Being intended for use in the Carl Gustav M45 (Swedish K) submachinegun, it had a much thicker jacket than normal 9mm Luger cartridges and a higher velocity, which allows it to penetrate soft body armor.

So, since the problem didn’t fit the solution (the M39B didn’t qualify as AP), a new definition was added to the definition of AP ammo. It was added that AP ammo would include;

“A full jacketed projectile larger than .22 caliber designed and intended for use in a handgun and whose jacket has a weight of more than 25 percent of the total weight of the projectile”.

Notice that the definition didn’t just say M39B, because that would leave the possibility to re-name the cartridge all allow it to come into the U.S.

During a career with ATF, it was obvious that it is not the ATF itself that takes the initiative to rule on many of the anti-gun issues that arise, rather they receive directives from anti-gun administrations in Washington, and are directed to write whatever needs to be said in order to make the intended action occur.

Keep in mind that ATF applied the first AP definition to steel core 7.62×39 ammunition on 2/2/94 during the Clinton administration, in order to prevent it’s importation. Then ATF Director John McGaw said at the time that “…(t)hese bullets when used in handguns pose a life-threatening risk to all law enforcement officers.”

Someone should have pointed out to him that ALL 7.62×39 rounds will penetrate soft body armor. But having been a Secret Service Agent until he became ATF’s Director might explain his lack of familiarity with ammunition technology. So concerning the ability to penetrate soft armor, there is no difference between any other load in that caliber and the ones having a steel core.

Then, about a year ago, ATF stopped the importation of 5.45 x 39 cartridges with steel core bullets by ruling them to be handgun ammunition. Do you see the pattern? Just recognize any cartridge with a bullet made of the listed metal(s) (more on that in a minute) as being useful in a handgun, and it becomes un-importable and unable to be manufactured.

It was surprising to IFSA at the time of both “bans”, that although there are pistol versions of the AK47 (7.62 x 39) and pistol versions of the AK74 (5.45 x 39), that ATF left out 5.56 x 45 ammunition with steel core. There are certainly more AR15 pistols in circulation than either of the other two models, and the AR15 pistol emerged onto the market much before the other two did. Again, not that we support the ban in any way, but it was apparent that the anti-gun administration was behind both additions to the list, so why did they leave out the most obvious one?.

We teach the topic of Armor Piercing Ammunition in our seminars and it’s well-covered in our online course on Ammunition as well. We always point out first, that there is a difference between what will penetrate a Policeman’s body armor and what qualifies as “Armor Piercing Ammunition” under the definition. Many cartridges, including all rifle ammunition will do so. For instance, most loadings of 7.62×25 pistol ammo will easily do so, but it is not considered “Armor Piercing unless it fits the definition.

Again, ANY loading in 7.62×39, 5.45×39, or 5.56×45 will penetrate all soft body armor, so why are the steel-core loadings being singled out? Easy. Because once the Armor Piercing wand is waved over them, they can no longer “be imported or manufactured except for Government use”. The definition is again being used as a tool to keep ammunition out of the hands of pro-gunners.

Here’s the real tool that should be used to fight the ban. Point out to ATF that the bullet of M855 is not within the definition of Armor Piercing ammunition. Because the bullet is partially made of lead, it is NOT “constructed entirely from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium;” Therefore the definition of AP does not apply.

But then it doesn’t apply to the 5.45×39 or the 762×39 cartridges either.

And that’s the problem. Sometimes ATF rules that things fall within definitions that they clearly do not fall into if you only read the requirements of the definition . If you’d like to see more examples, read the Declaration we wrote for U.S. District Court, in Ares Armor vs. B. Todd Jones, wherein we pointed out that most of the firearm “receivers” on the market don’t fall within ATF’s own definition of a receiver.

We at IFSA are all for the regulating of firearms in an attempt to keep them out of the hands of criminals, but what happens if ATF were to be ordered to rule solid lead bullets as “armor piercing”next, even though they don’t fit the definition? A regulatory agency should at least be required to operate within their own definitions.

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

In a move clearly intended by the Obama Administration to suppress the acquisition, ownership and use of AR-15s and other .223 caliber general purpose rifles, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives unexpectedly announced today that it intends to ban commonplace M855 ball ammunition as “armor piercing ammunition.” The decision continues Obama’s use of his executive authority to impose gun control restrictions and bypass Congress.

By way of background, federal law imposed in 1986 prohibits the manufacture, importation, and sale by licensed manufacturers or importers, but not possession, of “a projectile or projectile core which may be used in a handgun and which is constructed entirely . . . from one or a combination of tungsten alloys, steel, iron, brass, bronze, beryllium copper, or depleted uranium.” Because there are handguns capable of firing M855, it “may be used in a handgun.” It does not, however, have a core made of the metals listed in the law; rather, it has a traditional lead core with a steel tip, and therefore should never have been considered “armor piercing.” Nonetheless, BATFE previously declared M855 to be “armor piercing ammunition,” but granted it an exemption as a projectile “primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes.”

Now, however, BATFE says that it will henceforth grant the “sporting purposes” exception to only two categories of projectiles:

Category I: .22 Caliber Projectiles

A .22 caliber projectile that otherwise would be classified as armor piercing ammunition under 18 U.S.C. 921(a)(17)(B) will be considered to be “primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes” under section 921(a)(17)(C) if the projectile weighs 40 grains or less AND is loaded into a rimfire cartridge.

Category II: All Other Caliber Projectiles

Except as provided in Category I (.22 caliber rimfire), projectiles that otherwise would be classified as armor piercing ammunition will be presumed to be “primarily intended to be used for sporting purposes” under section 921(a)(17)(C) if the projectile is loaded into a cartridge for which the only handgun that is readily available in the ordinary channels of commercial trade is a single shot handgun. ATF nevertheless retains the discretion to deny any application for a “sporting purposes” exemption if substantial evidence exists that the ammunition is not primarily intended for such purposes.

BATFE is accepting comments until March 16, 2015 on this indefensible attempt to disrupt ammunition for the most popular rifle in America. Check back early next week for a more in-depth analysis of this “framework.”

How to comment – from the BATFE

ATF will carefully consider all comments, as appropriate, received on or before March 16, 2015, and will give comments received after that date the same consideration if it is practical to do so, but assurance of consideration cannot be given except as to comments received on or before March 16, 2015. ATF will not acknowledge receipt of comments. Submit comments in any of three ways (but do not submit the same comments multiple times or by more than one method):

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

We’re working to keep Hurricane Katrina style gun confiscations from ever happening in Iowa. Rep. Matt Windchitl has introduced House File 45, an emergency powers act that would keep scenarios like the one seen above from playing out here in Iowa.

HF45 would prohibit the confiscation of firearms, ammunition, and other Second Amendment rights during a “disaster emergency proclamation” or “public disorder” declared by the governor, or any other state official, or any community within the State of Iowa. In essence this bill would keep Hurricane Katrina style confiscation of firearms from happening in Iowa.

More specifically, during times of emergency it would keep government officials from: prohibiting, regulating, or curtailing the lawful use of firearms, or ammunition. They also could not suspend or revoke concealed carry permits or permits to acquire. The also could not seize or confiscate legally owned firearms or ammunition.

Under this bill government officials could not force a gun shop to close down, or limit their operating hours, while other businesses in the area are allowed to remain open. Gun shops could be closed down only if all businesses the area are also shut down.

If a person’s Second Amendment Rights are unlawfully violated during times of emergency under this bill that person is allowed pursue legal action to get their firearm and ammunition back. The government that unlawfully confiscated the firearm or ammunition would also be responsible for the victim’s court costs and attorney’s fees.

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

Quote of the week:
“The world is filled with violence. Because criminals carry guns, we decent law-abiding citizens should also have guns. Otherwise they will win and the decent people will lose.”
-James Earl Jones

Fellow Iowans-

We’ve wrapped up week two of Iowa’s legislative session, and we’re beginning to see the first signs of movement on Second Amendment issues. A few bills, some good some bad, have already been introduced. This is just the beginning though, the Iowa Firearms Coalition along with the NRA have been working diligently behind the scenes on some very significant bills. They will be introduced soon, when that happens we’ll need help from each and every one of you. Stand ready Iowans!

Week 2 recap:

Good news first. Representative Matt Windschitl has introduced two bills that will provide important protections for our Second Amendment rights. More specific details on each of these bills can be found on our 2015 Legislative Session webpage.

HF45 – Emergency powers
This bill would prohibit the confiscation of firearms, ammunition, and other Second Amendment rights during a “state of emergency” or “public unrest.” In essence this bill would keep Hurricane Katrina style confiscation of firearms from happening in Iowa.HF59 – Preemption cleanup bill
This bill amends Iowa Code 724.28 which says local municipalities and governing bodies cannot supersede state firearms law, and adds a means to penalize anyone that attempts to trump the state law.

Now for the bad news. A very small contingent of anti-gun legislators have introduced a trio of bills that can best be summed up as the “Michael Bloomberg Gun Control Wishlist.” Fortunately several other key legislators have assured us the passage of these bill is highly unlikely. That’s thanks in very large part to your ongoing contact with Iowa legislators. Keep it up!

HF70 – 10 round maximum on magazine capacity
This bill would make it illegal to buy, sell, or trade any magazine that held over ten rounds of ammunition. Under this bill anyone caught transferring magazines with a capacity over 10 rounds would be subject to a fine of up to $6,250.HF76 – Barring transfer of all semi-automatic firearms
This bill would make it a felony for anyone to buy, sell, trade or transfer a semi-automatic firearm in Iowa. Punishment would include up to 5 years confinement and up to a $7,500 fine for first time offenders. Repeat offenders would face up to 10 years confinement and a $10,000 fine.HF77 – Universal background checks
Under this bill anyone selling or transferring a firearm must go through an FFL who is mandated to run a NICS background check, regardless of the relationship of the buyer and seller. Punishment would include up to 2 years confinement and a fine of up $6,250.

What you need to know:

As we mentioned, the Bloomberg Gun Control Wishlist stands very little chance of gaining any traction. Regardless of that fact we’ll be keeping an extremely close eye on their status and update you as needed.

More importantly, there’s a pair of pro-Second Amendment bills that have already been introduced but more are coming. Once they’ve all been introduced and assigned to a legislative committee we’ll put out the word on who you need to contact in order to help ensure their passage.

These bills will be very ambitious and will take a serious amount of work. We’re fully committed to doing our part, but when the time is right we will need you to back us up with a flood of emails, phone calls, and conversations with Iowa’s lawmakers.

What you can do right now:

Call or write your legislator – tell them you’re a Second Amendment supporter and you’re keeping a close eye on each firearms bill introduced this session.

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, Second Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance Second Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports.Sign up for our email list for the latest on Second Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

Anti-gun organizations have once again submitted their usual rights-restrictive bills in the House, but key legislators have indicated that these bills will not be advancing out of the House and probably won’t even make it through committee.

You may hear other gun groups squawking about the sky falling and needing your money to stop it from happening. DO NOT BE FOOLED, these anti-gun bills WILL NOT be passing. Instead we encourage you to save that money to spend on fun stuff, like ammunition, training or a NFA tax stamp for the suppressors that will soon be legal in Iowa!

In the meantime, the Iowa Firearms Coalition has been working closely with leaders and legislators in both chambers and are close to achieving the final language of a bill to be filed in the Senate and the House very soon. While we can’t reveal the bill right now since negotiations are still ongoing, we are comfortable saying that once it’s passed, gun owners across Iowa will be very pleased.

(From left to right) Richard Rodgers, Iowa Firearms Coalition Board Member; Kraig Paulsen, Speaker of the House; Linda Upmeyer, House Majority Leader; Clel Baudler, R. House Member; Gibson girls with their father, Nathan Gibson; and Barry Snell, Iowa Firearms Coalition President meet to discuss removing the age limit for children to fire handguns with proper supervision and parental permission.

So stay tuned! When key members agree to run the bill, we will send it to you too and create an action center alert so you can continue to show your support and contribute to the passing of this historic bill.

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

The popular website Buzzfeed sent four hipsters to an indoor gun range in Las Vegas. Three out of the four guys had never shot a gun before and as expected they had some pretty typical anti-gun prejudices. But in the end many of those prejudices were reversed, and all it took was a little trigger time.

Make no mistake, there’s a lot of things in this video that made us cringe. A LOT. But the overarching point remains, when non-shooting, non-gun owning people take the time to try out shooting, their opinions almost always change.

Unfortunately people often fear what they don’t know. And that fear leads to gun bans, restrictions, and other infringements.

Do your part to fight ignorance, invite a non-shooter to the range with you sometime. Emphasize safety, and fun. Then explain why you believe our Second Amendment rights should not be infringed. Find an Iowa range near you.

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.

Iowa Firearms Coalition is an entirely volunteer, grassroots, 2nd Amendment advocacy group. Responsible for bringing uniformity to Iowa’s Concealed Weapons Permitting process, IFC’s members work to protect and enhance 2nd Amendment rights in Iowa. An affiliate of the National Rifle Association, the IFC actively seeks to foster and promote the shooting sports. Sign up for our email list for the latest on 2nd Amendment issues in Iowa. You can support our work by becoming a member, or making a donation.